George W. Bush

BOGOTA, Colombia - President Bush pledged continued support Sunday to this
strong but drug and violence-plagued U.S. ally, on a visit marked by both
warm official welcomes and rioting protesters.

"Your country has come through very difficult times and now there's a
brighter day ahead," Bush said to President Alvaro Uribe after their
meetings and lunch at the presidential palace. "We have been friends and we
will remain friends."

Bush came to Colombia's capital for a show of confidence in Uribe and the
country's battle against narcoterrorists. But the stop was clouded by a
political scandal involving Uribe, and security jitters had Bush staying